Hope & Truth Ministry
Be hope, be love, live with truth.
For the wondering, the doubting, the hurting, and the hopeful. For people without a congregation, and for people who have found theirs but want another voice on the road. You are welcome here.
From the lectionary
Recent reflections
Sermons and reflections in keeping with the Revised Common Lectionary. New writing arrives most weeks.
August 22, 2026
Who is God - Matthew 16 - Proper 16A
On the last weekend of the Iowa State Fair, this sermon takes Jesus's question at Caesarea Philippi — “who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:13-20) — alongside Romans 12:1-8 and Psalm 138, hearing in Peter's confession a testimony that resists the messiah people fantasize about: the powerful king with a sword. Tony argues that Peter, both the testifier and the later denier, names the Jesus actually present — the one of inclusiveness, nonviolence, love, and forgiveness — and that the church Jesus builds is founded not on one person or tradition but on a community that hears, debates, and embodies God's love. Drawing on Paul's gifts that “differ according to the grace given to us,” the sermon invites each of us to offer our own testimony of who God is and to embody that love as teacher, encourager, giver, and the compassionate.
August 15, 2026
Changing Minds - Matthew 15 - Proper 15A
As the Iowa State Fair opens, this sermon reads the Canaanite woman's plea (Matthew 15:10-28) alongside Isaiah 56:1-8 and Psalm 67, hearing in her words “even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the table” a faith that dismantles ethnic, religious, and gender barriers. Tony argues that faith is not a private badge of blessing or an exclusive club but something actualized in caring for others — because God's “house of prayer for all peoples” is for all. The gospel is not for one nation or group but for everyone who calls upon the Lord, including: the outsider and all whom the world would push aside.
August 1, 2026
Blessing Our Meal - Matthew 14 - Proper 13A
Celebrating the Eucharist, this sermon takes the feeding of the many thousand (Matthew 14:13-21) alongside Jacob's wrestling in Genesis 32:22-31 and Psalm 145, finding in Jesus's compassion a pattern for every table. Tony notes that Jesus does not ask whether there is enough but asks the disciples to bring what they have — a few loaves and fish that when blessed and broken, become abundance — the Holy Eucharist and of the community meals served by UBFM every week. Against the loneliness of judgment, scarcity, and hoarding, the Eucharist joins compassion, welcome, giving thanks, faith, and breaking bread together, whether the table is family or chosen family.